Top Ten: Carrabelle election

Published: Monday, December 30, 2013 at 02:21 PM.

On September 3, incumbent Carrabelle City Commissioner Brenda La Paz topped the field of five as she was returned to office, with political newcomer Audrey Olivia Massey winning a tight battle for the second seat.

Massey is the granddaughter of Mayor Curley Messer.

La Paz
, 58, gathered 214 votes, easily topping the field in the non-partisan election, while Massey, 41, edged out incumbent City Commissioner Cal Allen, 75, by two votes, 173 to 171, to take the second seat.

On September 3, incumbent Carrabelle City Commissioner Brenda La Paz topped the field of five as she was returned to office, with political newcomer Audrey Olivia Massey winning a tight battle for the second seat.

Massey is the granddaughter of Mayor Curley Messer.

La Paz, 58, gathered 214 votes, easily topping the field in the non-partisan election, while Massey, 41, edged out incumbent City Commissioner Cal Allen, 75, by two votes, 173 to 171, to take the second seat.

Both La Paz and Massey are now set to each serve four-year terms. They were sworn into office after the Sept. 5 city commission meeting.

La Paz said high on her agenda is working to make sure the city’s Community Redevelopment Area is brought into compliance with Florida statute, and can assist in downtown revitalization.

Massey said she is eager to get to her top priority – helping to bolster what the city can offer its youth.

“First thing I really want to work on is getting a grant and get something for our youth, and get some jobs in here, which is not only what the city of Carrabelle needs but what the whole county needs,” Massey said.